Date vultures sightings

When there’s more monkey than business, and less kissing than kiss-off, money is often a target of date vultures. You can often see them, circling the remains of past relationships and perusing divorce decrees.
Interestingly, I’ve found in years of looking at all kinds of contracts that lovers could learn a lot by studying business law. It’s a type of vulture repellant, making up for the lack of sense that often applies to re-entry into dating.

And a lot of dating relationships needed a lot of repellant. Too bad these vulture victims don’t use these secrets to bait their traps.

Read these verbal signs for small print: and don’t, don’t, don’t make any excuses. Hear these following phrases and spray the vulture with repellant. «I forgot my wallet, may I use your credit card, would you loan me twenty dollars until after we cross the street, how much is that necklace worth, can we afford it (we?), there’s my favorite pawn shop, could you for pay the gas while I pump, what’s in your refrigerator, and can I eat here for the next month?»

Of course, you’re looking for variations on these themes. Just be aware of the fine print behind requests that add up to a bill.

On the other hand, I have known some great people, and good dates, who admit right up front that they just can’t manage money. This may be enough to take them out of the vulture category based on honesty. On the other hand, they may be under-stating their membership in the feathered fraternity. It could be a step towards getting what the vulture wants.

Vultures. Can’t live with ‘em, can’t live without ‘em.

Vultures congregate at predictable watering holes. Many places where you might go to date are where they are circling. Dance clubs, for example. But the problem with vultures is that they are often only part-time scavengers, looking for a light touch. Like taking your savings for their import aardvark business.

Just like starting any other business, ask a professional. I’ve had many single people who should have asked me, someone, anyone: «Does this sound legit? Would you do it?» It is amazing how many people have learned life lessons through a divorce, and are afraid to ask questions based on their red flags raising. Just because you know, doesn’t mean you can’t get a second opinion about your life. Especially when it involves love and money.

The beauty of always asking for a professional opinion before loaning anything of cash value to a lover is simple, and it isn’t even the value of the advice. It’s that vultures can’t stand to have someone else, especially an accountant or lawyer, involved. The vulture’s almost immediate response is «Oh, never mind.»

And so you won’t have to. Just tell them to have a nice flight.

So far, we’ve talked about money and compatibility, communication and openness about finance, and some of the vultures that hover around that green stuff. So if money is what makes the world go ’round, there’s one last issue to be aware of. Are there boundaries that say this is mine, and this is yours?

Related Posts:

• General Dating Tips – Part 1